Israeli-Palestinian conflict spurs dueling Loop rallies

Supporters for both sides of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East gathered at Clark and Randolph streets in Chicago on Monday.

Supporters for both sides of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East gathered at Clark and Randolph streets in Chicago on Monday.

Kim GeigerTribune reporter

Backers of Israel and of Palestinians held dueling rallies in the Loop today, where each side accused the other of being responsible for the ongoing conflict in the Mideast.

The pro-Israel event, organized by the Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago, took place on a stage in Thompson Plaza and featured musical performances and appearances from lawmakers, including Illinois Sen. Mark Kirk.

"Let me say, so that people can hear me all the way to the United States Senate floor, I will carry your message that in the Senate, we stand with Israel," Kirk said to the hundreds of people who had gathered.

The Republican senator is one of Israel's most vocal backers in Washington.

Kirk said he opposes a cease-fire and wants to give the Israeli military more time to defeat Hamas.

“The only way we can bring peace to that area is to defeat those who bring terror to the Middle East," he said to a roar of cheers from the crowd.

Across the street, a smaller group of about 100 people waving Palestinian flags chanted slogans like, "Israel out of Palestine," and "Occupation no more."

Police, prepared for the potential of clashes between the groups, rolled out patrol horse units and stationed offers throughout the area. A similar rally last week led to an impromptu, five-hour march by the Palestinian backers.

As the pro-Israel rally came to an end and most Israel backers dispersed, a shouting match erupted, with Palestinian supporters and Israel backers hurling insults at each other.

People on both sides said they had taken to the streets to get their views across to American onlookers.

"I want to at least get to five Americans to let them know that we are fighting for the same cause, to free the world from terrorism," said Zaahara Dadon, 50, a jeweler who lives in Chicago and who backs Israel.

Across the street, Hatem Abudayyeh, 43, a community organizer from Chicago, said his group was trying to put pressure on the U.S. to end aid to Israel.

"Israel is on a murderous rampage and our U.S. government is complicit because we support them," Abudayyeh said.

By early afternoon, Israel backers had mostly left the area but the Palestinian group remained and was still marching around Daley Plaza.